try to think what
was wrong he went at it again, putting this and that line into
connection, adding another here and another there, until suddenly, as
he made a last change, a quick flash of light almost blinded him, and
the switch-board crackled ominously, as if struggling to carry a
powerful current.

Rob covered his face at the flash, but finding himself unhurt he took
away his hands and with blinking eyes attempted to look at a wonderful
radiance which seemed to fill the room, making it many times brighter
than the brightest day.

Although at first completely dazzled, he peered before him until he
discovered that the light was concentrated near one spot, from which
all the glorious rays seemed to scintillate.

He closed his eyes a moment to rest them; then re-opening them and
shading them somewhat with his hands, he made out the form of a curious
Being standing with majesty and composure in the center of the
magnificent radiance and looking down upon him!

2. The Demon of Electricity

Rob was a courageous boy, but a thrill of fear passed over him in spite
of his bravest endeavor as he gazed upon the wondrous apparition that
confronted him. For several moments he sat as if turned to stone, so
motionless was he; but his eyes were nevertheless fastened upon the
Being and devouring every detail of his appearance.

And how strange an appearance he presented!

His jacket was a wavering mass of white light, edged with braid of red
flames that shot little tongues in all directions. The buttons blazed
in golden fire. His trousers had a bluish, incandescent color, with
glowing stripes of crimson braid. His vest was gorgeous with all the
colors of the rainbow blended into a flashing, resplendent mass. In
feature he was most majestic, and his eyes held the soft but
penetrating brilliance of electric lights.

It was hard to meet the gaze of those searching eyes, but Rob did it,
and at once the splendid apparition bowed and said in a low, clear
voice:

"I am here."

"I know that," answered the boy, trembling, "but WHY are you here?"

"Because you have touched the Master Key of Electricity, and I must
obey the laws of nature that compel me to respond to your summons."

"I--I didn't know I touched the Master Key," faltered the boy.

"I understand that. You did it unconsciously. No one in the world has
ever done it before, for Nature has hitherto kept the secret safe
locked within her bosom."

Rob